Closing Sternum

[Heather410]

I understand that closing the sternum after surgery involves the use of  stainless steel wire.
My question is, how is it done. Is it "sewn" together in one continuous looping or a series of
individual clamps?
Please clarify this for me .

Thanks.

Heather

[Heather410]

Thanks for your comments.
Hope all is well with you

[Jim151]

I can feel SOME of mine and have apretty good sized bump in two places on my upper sternum. Doc says it is not usual, but not rare either

[jim62]

Nah, can't feel anything and have never had any problems with it.

[Heather410]

Thanks for your info.
Just curious... can you feel the wire with your fingers or actually see any `bumps'?
Did you experience any discomfort?

Thanks!

Cheers,
Heather

[jim62]

I have seen mine on x-rays.  It's not a pretty sight.  The wires are just threaded through and twisted together, much like making repairs on a fence.

But, it worked.

[ireneo]

I happened to see this recently on TV. It appeared to be similar to regular sutures - one at a time threaded in and tied off. Difference of course is they won't dissolve.